• Faith: Buddhism
• Career: Musician
• Birthday:  August 17, 1958

Belinda Carlisle is a singer and songwriter. She was the lead vocalist of the Go-Go's until the band broke up in 1985. After that, she went on to have a prolific career as a solo artist.

Belinda Carlisle was born on August 17, 1958, in Hollywood, California. She was raised in a working-class family, the eldest of seven children. Her childhood, however, was not without challenges. Carlisle’s father, Harold, left the family when she was only five years old, leaving her mother, Joanne, to raise the children largely on her own. The family moved frequently, and Carlisle often felt a sense of instability during her formative years. Despite the financial struggles, she found solace in music.

From an early age, Carlisle was drawn to performance and idolized female singers like Cher and Dusty Springfield. Her love for music led her to explore the Los Angeles punk rock scene in her teenage years, an experience that would shape her early career trajectory. After graduating from high school, Carlisle began performing in local bands, which eventually led her to co-found one of the most important all-female bands of the era: The Go-Go’s.

Belinda Carlisle’s career took off in the late 1970s when she became the lead vocalist of The Go-Go’s. The band, which started out as part of the L.A. punk scene, transitioned into a more pop-friendly sound that resonated with audiences. The Go-Go’s debut album, "Beauty and the Beat" (1981), became a massive success, topping the Billboard 200 chart and producing hits like “We Got the Beat” and “Our Lips Are Sealed.” The album was groundbreaking, marking the first time an all-female band wrote and performed an album that reached the top of the charts.

Despite their success, The Go-Go's disbanded in 1985, with Carlisle embarking on a solo career that solidified her status as a pop icon. Her first solo album, "Belinda" (1986), produced the hit “Mad About You,” but it was her second album, "Heaven on Earth" (1987), that truly catapulted her to international fame. The album featured her biggest hit, “Heaven Is a Place on Earth,” which topped the charts worldwide and remains one of the most recognizable songs of the 1980s.

Throughout the late '80s and early '90s, Carlisle released a string of successful albums, including "Runaway Horses" (1989) and "Live Your Life Be Free" (1991), cementing her place in pop music history. However, despite the commercial success, Carlisle faced personal struggles behind the scenes, particularly with substance abuse and issues of self-identity.

In 1986, Belinda Carlisle married Morgan Mason, a political consultant, film producer, and the son of actor James Mason. The couple has one son, James Duke Mason, born in 1992. Their marriage has been a strong pillar in Carlisle’s life, enduring both the highs and lows of her career and personal struggles.

Carlisle has often credited Mason with being a grounding force in her life, helping her through difficult periods, particularly during her struggles with addiction. Their son, Duke Mason, has grown up in the spotlight but has made a name for himself as an activist and writer, following his passion for political advocacy.

As a mother, Carlisle has expressed pride in Duke’s accomplishments, and she has often spoken about how becoming a parent changed her perspective on life. Her focus shifted from the demands of her music career to ensuring she provided a stable environment for her family, a stark contrast to her own upbringing.

Behind Belinda Carlisle’s glamorous career was a long battle with addiction. From her early days with The Go-Go’s through much of her solo career, Carlisle struggled with substance abuse, particularly cocaine and alcohol. She has openly discussed how addiction nearly derailed her life and career, affecting her relationships and mental health.

In her 2010 memoir "Lips Unsealed," Carlisle candidly recounts her battles with addiction, the toll it took on her physical and mental well-being, and her eventual journey to sobriety. By the early 2000s, Carlisle reached a breaking point and decided to seek help. Her road to recovery was not easy, but with the support of her family and a newfound spiritual path, she was able to overcome her addiction.

Belinda Carlisle's Religious Beliefs

One of the most significant changes in Belinda Carlisle’s life has been her embrace of Buddhism. In the early 2000s, Carlisle was introduced to Buddhist teachings, and she credits the faith with helping her find peace and balance after years of inner turmoil. She began practicing Nichiren Buddhism and chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, a practice that she has maintained for over two decades.

Carlisle has spoken at length about how Buddhism has helped her transform her life, not just in terms of overcoming addiction, but in finding a deeper sense of purpose and connection to the world. For her, Buddhism is more than just a religion—it’s a way of life that encourages mindfulness, compassion, and personal responsibility.

In interviews, Carlisle has described how her daily chanting practice keeps her grounded, especially in an industry known for its chaos. Buddhism has also influenced her music, as she seeks to infuse her art with the peace and enlightenment she has found through her spiritual journey.